The game consists of three rounds in which players combine three or more numbered gems together to create a higher-numbered gem. For instance, combining together three gems with a 1 on them will create a single 2 gem. Combine four gems, and you've got a 5.

The higher-numbered gem will always appear where you dropped the last piece, allowing players to create chain combos by strategically placing the last piece.

Each round lasts only two minutes. "The game plays like Word With Friends, but sped up 100 times," Paul Bettner, vice president and general manager, Zynga told Mashable. "One of the things I’m most excited about is that this game combines things that people already enjoy."

Players receive points for each gem they place on the board, and earn more points for combining higher-numbered gems. Power gems bring in additional features into the game, and can provide a competitive advantage.

After each round your score is tabulated and sent to your opponent, who then attempts to best your score on an identical board.

Gems With Friends is available today in Canada (where Zynga often beta-tests its games), and will be rolling out soon to other areas.

What do you think about Gems With Friends? Can you see yourself playing the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.